No one can be blamed when everybody panicked during that time. I was a starter, and for someone who earns and profits here by just relying solely on bitcoins, it was terrible. If I had that faith before, I could have something to be proud of today.
I definitely agree with op that bitcoin is way dependable to HODL. Today, we hear people say "bitcoin" rather than "cryptocurrencies" and I think with that, it will still have a long journey, a permanent one in the future.
If people do have other assets today, may be its for a faster way of accumulating more but in my opinion, bitcoins will always lead. No need to panic.
The majority only knows about "Bitcoin", not "Cryptocurrency", and only they know about investment, not a currency. So the reason why people are coming to crypto is simply that they wanted to invest and hold (and get panic), not to use this to buy stuff or whatever.
Well, that is pretty obvious how these newcomers will behave and think differently compared to old-timers but wanted to say that they have to change their mindset as well. It was their time also to understand the situation and keep their emotions under their control, otherwise, this will be a reason for their failure.
I felt the same way when I started crypto. They say go earn bitcoin, its profitable. I panicked sell also, that's why at some point I understand why people do such nonsense (that includes myself)
I believe that it is a part of being a beginner though. Eventually, they will gain more knowledge about it, hopefully.